In August, Nosara wakes to a pink, humid dawn, with howler monkeys roaring from the trees behind the beach and surfers already paddling out at Playa Guiones. By midafternoon the sky often turns slate gray and a warm rain drums on the tin roofs, and the jungle smells green and wet. This is Nosara in the heart of the green season, a quiet month for yoga, surf, long breakfasts and slow days between showers.
What is the weather like in Nosara in August?
August in Nosara is hot, humid and wet, with rain on most days, though it usually comes in spells rather than as an all-day gray blanket.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Rain days | Sea (°F) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July | 85.1 | 76.4 | 25.9 | 85.8 |
| August | 84.8 | 76.3 | 27.4 | 85.8 |
| September | 83.8 | 75.9 | 28.6 | 86.0 |
Mornings are usually the best part of the day. The sun is out, the air is warm and heavy, and this is when most people surf, practice yoga, hike or walk the beach. Clouds tend to build through the late morning, and the rain often arrives in the afternoon or evening, sometimes as a short downpour and sometimes as a long steady shower that settles in for hours.
Nights stay warm enough that you will not need a jacket, only something light if you are sitting outside after a rain. Almost every day brings at least a little rain, and a few bring heavy, drenching storms that can turn dirt roads muddy and fill the small rivers. The light, when it appears, is vivid: the hills look intensely green and the sky can clear into a golden late afternoon.
Dress for heat and wetness. Thin, quick-drying clothes work better than cotton, and a light rain jacket is more useful than an umbrella on a windy beach. Days are long enough, with about twelve and a half hours of daylight in mid-August, to fit in a morning outing and still enjoy the evening.
Can you swim in Nosara in August?
Yes, the water is warm, but rip currents and active surf mean you should check conditions before entering.
The ocean off Nosara is warm all month, so no wetsuit is needed for surfing or swimming. Playa Guiones stretches wide and unbroken, with dependable waves that draw people learning to surf and those who love bodysurfing, yet this is no calm lagoon. Waves are often active, and the shape of the water changes with the tides and the swell.
Several U.S. tourists drown each year on this coast because of rip currents, which pose a serious hazard. Most local beaches have no lifeguards on duty, and warnings about rough surf seldom appear, so check with your hotel or a nearby surf school about conditions that day, obey the flags wherever they are posted, always swim with a buddy, and stay within arm’s reach of your kids. Even in shallow water, keep children within arm’s reach and follow local warnings about waves and currents.
Bring a rash guard for sun and for surfing, plus sunscreen and a towel you do not mind getting sandy. Morning swims are usually the pleasant ones, since afternoon storms can roll in quickly.
What to do in Nosara in August
The calendar gives August two notable dates. August can coincide with olive ridley arribadas at nearby Ostional, though their timing is natural and never guaranteed. August 15 is Mother’s Day, a national holiday, so families gather for long lunches, and some businesses may close or run on a holiday schedule.
Nosara itself is a quiet place, and in the green season the mood is unhurried. The streets are less crowded, the jungle is loud with frogs and birds in the evenings, and restaurants and cafés settle into a local rhythm.
Surf and the beach at Playa Guiones
A wide, long stretch of sand called Playa Guiones, with steady waves that work well for both beginners and intermediate surfers, is what draws so many visitors here. Ask a local surf school to recommend a lesson time based on that day’s tides, swell and weather.
At low tide, when the sand spreads into a wide, gleaming flat and the rain-scrubbed light turns gentle, the beach is worth a walk even for those who never surf. Watch for shorebirds along the edge and for the shifting colors of the sky. Look for the flags and the local advice before swimming, because the same waves that please surfers can create strong currents.
Go early, bring water and sunscreen, and plan to be off the sand when the clouds turn dark. After the storm passes, the beach often glows and empties, making for a quiet end to the day.
Yoga, wellness and slow mornings
Nosara has a name for yoga studios and a wellness scene, and that practice fits the green season wonderfully. Classes are often held in open-air studios among the trees, where the sound of rain on the roof and the calls of birds become part of the session. Many visitors build the day around a morning class and a late breakfast.
Besides yoga, you will find massage, breathwork and smoothie bars, along with healthy cafés serving bowls and fresh juices. On the wettest afternoons this is the natural thing to do, since a spa or a studio is a dry and calming place to wait out a storm. It suits solo travelers, couples and anyone who wants a restful week rather than a packed itinerary. Class schedules and offerings vary by studio and by season, so ask where you are staying for what is running while you are there.
Jungle walks and wildlife
The hills and forest around Nosara are alive in the green season. Howler monkeys are often heard at dawn and dusk, and you may see them in the trees, along with iguanas, birds and sometimes coatis. Wildlife is a chance, never a promise, and a walk in the early morning gives you the best odds before the heat and the rain.
A local guide can help you notice wildlife and interpret the sounds of the forest. Wear closed shoes with grip, since trails turn muddy and slippery in August, and carry a light rain jacket and insect repellent. This outing suits people who enjoy slow, quiet observation rather than a long hike. When a heavy rain sets in, rivers and dirt roads can change quickly, so keep the plan flexible and take the advice of local hosts about which trails and roads are passable that day.
A two-day itinerary for Nosara in August
Day 1 starts early, because mornings are the clearest part of the day. Right after the sun comes up, head to Playa Guiones for a surfing lesson or a leisurely stroll on the sand, then enjoy a late morning meal of gallo pinto or fruit and eggs at a café close to the beach. By midday the heat is heavy, so rest, read or swim in a pool before the afternoon clouds arrive.
In the afternoon, when the rain often comes, move indoors for a yoga class, a massage or a long lunch at a casual spot serving a casado or fresh fish. If the sky clears, return to the beach for the late light, and plan on a simple dinner at a local restaurant in the evening, with the sound of frogs and insects in the trees.
Day 2 is for the forest. Head out early for a guided walk, when monkeys and birds are most active and the air is still cooler.
Come back for a smoothie bowl and some downtime, then spend the afternoon at a quiet beach spot or a café with a view, keeping an eye on the sky. If the weather turns, a cooking class, a spa session or a simple card game under a covered terrace is the rain plan. Finish with an early dinner and a look at the sunset if the clouds break.
Is Nosara busy in August?
No, August is one of the quieter times in Nosara, since it falls in the green season when many travelers stay away because of the rain.
The people you meet are often surfers, yoga students, longer-stay visitors and families who do not mind the weather. Mother’s Day on August 15 is a national holiday, so local families may be out and about, and some places may close or shift their hours around that date. Otherwise the beaches, cafés and studios have a relaxed, uncrowded feel, and a table at a popular restaurant is usually easy to find.
Rooms and rental cars are easier to arrange than in the dry months, but it is still a good habit to book early for the holiday week and any dates tied to a surf camp or retreat. Check current availability before deciding when to book. Ask surf schools and guides how far ahead to reserve.
If you plan to drive, think about the roads. If you plan to drive, ask your host or rental agency for current road conditions and vehicle requirements.
What to pack for Nosara in August
Bring quick-drying items that shield you from sun and bugs, and dress for hot, humid days plus surprise showers.
- A light rain jacket, since afternoon downpours are common.
- Quick-drying clothes, because cotton stays damp in the humidity.
- Sandals with grip and closed shoes for muddy trails.
- A rash guard and sunscreen for surfing and bright mornings.
- Insect repellent for the forest and the evenings.
- A dry bag for phones and cameras when the rain arrives.
Good to know before you go
The U.S. State Department rates Costa Rica Level 2, ‘Exercise increased caution,’ due to crime; it says petty crime is common throughout Costa Rica and that violent crime also affects tourists, including armed robbery, homicide and sexual assault.
August sits inside the green season, and since the Atlantic hurricane season stretches across the later months of the year, watch the forecasts and keep your plans open to change. Getting around Nosara is easier with local advice, because dirt roads and river crossings can change quickly after heavy rain. August 15 is a national holiday, so confirm that a restaurant, shop or tour is open that day, and arrange surf lessons, guided walks and transport a little ahead of time.
Nosara in August vs July and September
Moving the trip to July changes little. The weather is nearly the same, with slightly fewer rainy days, and the sea is just as warm. The crowds are a touch larger in July because school breaks bring more visitors, so a trip in July may feel a bit busier and may call for earlier booking.
Moving to September means more rain and a deeper green season. The air is a little cooler, the showers are more frequent and the sea stays warm, while the town is at its quietest, with fewer travelers and a slower pace. Some businesses may reduce their schedules, so it is worth checking that your favorite studio or restaurant is open.
Choose July if you want a little more life in town and slightly better odds of dry mornings. Stay with August for a balance of warmth, greenery and calm. Shift to September if you want the quietest, lushest version and do not mind regular rain.
Is August a good time to visit Nosara?
Yes, for travelers who enjoy a quiet, green and unhurried place and who accept that rain is part of the day.
Nosara in August suits surfers, yoga students, wellness seekers and anyone happy to curl up with a book on a covered porch while the rain comes down. Anyone who needs guaranteed sunshine, dry roads or a busy nightlife should look at the drier months instead. Families can enjoy the month too, as long as they plan around the weather and stay careful in the water.
On arrival, settle in, ask your hosts about the surf and the roads, and book a morning surf lesson or guided walk before the afternoon rain sets in. What makes August special here is the sound of it: howler monkeys at dawn, rain on a tin roof and waves breaking along Playa Guiones after the clouds clear.
Sources
- Open-Meteo / ECMWF ERA5, normals 1991-2020 computed for the grid cell at 9.9792N 85.6531W, checked October 8, 2026
- Open-Meteo Marine API, average 2015-2024, checked October 8, 2026
- sunrise-sunset.org, sunrise and sunset calculated for the 15th of the month, checked October 8, 2026
- U.S. Department of State, Costa Rica Travel Information, Safety and security (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/CostaRica.html), checked October 8, 2026
- U.S. Department of State, Costa Rica Travel Advisory, issued April 1, 2026 (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/costa-rica-travel-advisory.html), read via the State Department open data API on October 8, 2026